Ghanaian singer Sherifa Gunu has expressed her displeasure with the way the country treats artists, especially older performers who have had a major impact on the country's music landscape.
Despite their significant contributions to Ghana's creative scene, she feels that these gifted people are often ignored and undervalued.
Sherifa said in a recent interview with Graphic Showbiz that Ghana honours its legends too late, whilst other nations celebrate their cultural heroes.
She claims that Ghana often honours her icons after their deaths or when they get recognition on global stages, which highlights the pressing need for more respect for seasoned artists.
This tendency, in her opinion, is disheartening and reveals a concerning disregard for those who have cleared the path for upcoming artists.
As a result, she demanded a fundamental change in the way the country views her creative contributions, arguing that the narrative has to adapt to recognise the accomplishments of those who came before.
Thinking back on her own experiences in the music business, Sherifa proposed that if she had been from Nigeria, where musicians are regularly supported and acknowledged by their country, her career may have taken off.
Ghana only honours you after you pass away or when others take notice of you. I would have grown larger by now if I were Nigerian. We wait until it's too late to honour our legends," she said.
She also emphasised that while Ghana has amazing talent, there aren't enough structures in place to help these artists. Nigerian artists, on the other hand, are often praised irrespective of the quality of their output.
"Ghana lacks structure but has talent." Even if the music isn't very excellent, Nigerians would still support their own. "You can release a classic in Ghana and people will ignore it until someone from outside the country gives it praise," she said movingly.
Sherifa also addressed widespread misunderstandings about traditional music, claiming that detractors often overlook its richness and cultural relevance. (Not "colo," but traditional music) — Sherifa Gunu, "You disappear if you copy too much," said Sherifa Gunu to up-and-coming artists.
Citing artists like Burna Boy and Angelique Kidjo as examples of musicians who successfully integrate traditional aspects into their work, she said that many people who reject traditional sounds often unintentionally appreciate them in modern music.
"Music is not understood by those who claim it is outdated. The same individuals, unaware that they are taking pleasure in traditional music, dance to Burna Boy and Angelique Kidjo. "It's different because other people know how to promote it," she said.
Sherifa gave a thoughtful response when asked whether she would advise up-and-coming musicians to explore traditional music.
Sure, but only if they really want to do it. Ghana doesn't do enough to promote traditional music, despite its potency. Therefore, if you do it, you should be prepared to promote it independently over the world," she said.
